The Beer Nut: Tiger in a tank

This week, Iím taking a look at beer news from near and far, including news from Sixpoint, Jack's Abby Brewing and Beer Works.

First up, Sixpoint Brewery in Brooklyn, New York, has announced they'll be releasing six-packs of 12-ounce cans for the first time.

Previously, Sixpoint only offered four-packs of its 16-ounce "nano kegs," (they're cans, but they called them nano kegs) or four-packs of 12-ounce cans for their high-alcohol offering.

The great part is that the six packs should cost the same as the four packs - that's eight more ounces for the same money.

Along with the new packaging some of the beers have been reformulated to include new ingredients that weren't previously available, the company said in a press release.

"When we first started brewing Bengali Tiger in 2004, certain hops were not even available to us," said Sixpoint founder Shane Welch. "With the Bengali, we have taken the formulation and the design to new heights. This has been over a year in the making, and I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing the reaction from our fans."

Boston Brew Tours, a company that offers tours and tastings at Boston area breweries, brewpubs and beer bars, has launched a new initiative titled the Summer Single Series.

The Sumer Single Series will cost $50, and a single person can hop on the Boston Brew bus and mingle with other singles who just happen to be beer lovers. They'll visit such Boston-area breweries as Harpoon, Idle Hands, Mystic Brewery, Night Shift and Beer Works. For more information, go to Bostonbrewtours.com.

Speaking of Beer Works, the Massachusetts chain of brewpubs has recently started distributing kegs of its beers to restaurants and bars throughout the state.

This is the first time that Beer Works' popular beers are available on draft outside of its seven restaurants, including the Framingham Beer Works. Bottles of Beer Works beers have been available for several years.

Jack's Abby Brewing in Framingham has recently expanded to a third state. Initially, the Framingham brewery was only available in Massachusetts, but expanded to upstate New York last year. They have now expanded to Connecticut.

Another New England brewery is seeking money via Kickstarter. Worcesterís 3Cross Brewing Company, is seeking to raise $6,000 to put the finishing touches on its planned taproom, set to open later this year. The taproom is to be located on Cambridge Street.

The money will be used for additional seating, a draft system, paint and additional items. Those who donate will receive a host of rewards, from hats and shirts to memberships to the brewery's club.

Foolproof Brewing Company of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, recently released its double IPA, King of the Yahd, in 12-ounce cans for the first time. Previously, the beer was only available in 22-ounce bottles, but it now joins the regular lineup of beers.

Page 2 of 2 - And finally, authors Brian Aldrich and Mike Meredith will host a release party for their new book, "New Hampshire Beer: Brewing from Sea to Summit," on June 26. (Full disclosure, I host the weekly Seacoast Beveral Lab Podcast with both Aldrich and Meredith).

The release party will be held at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include a signed copy of the book, beer samples and food prepared at the hotel. For tickets, go to nhbeerbook.brownpappertickets.com.

Email Norman Miller at nmiller@wickedlocal.com or call 508-626-3823. Check out the Beer Nut blog at blogs.wickedlocal.com/beernut. Follow him on Twitter at @realbeernut. Also check out "Norman Miller, The Beer Nut" on Facebook.